In April 2011, friends Kelly Coger and Mark Sacco hatched a plan to open a new restaurant in 60 days. On June 4, 2011, they achieved their goal by creating the Rib Shack in Ogden.
Coger has several years of experience managing food establishments and Sacco has been both a chef and a restaurant owner.
"Mark has always loved ribs," Coger said of his business partner. Sacco already had a recipe for dry-rubbed smoked ribs and a signature sauce that is mild and sweet with a hint of smoky flavor.
"You don't mess with perfection, so we went with it," Coger said. They worked on test recipes until they came up with baked beans ($1.50) and homemade cornbread ($1.50), as well as other sides to put on the menu.
"Our cornbread is to die for. You don't even need butter and honey. And, we have customers who drive from as far away as Logan for our beans," Coger said.
Lunch items ($6) come with fries and a medium drink; dinner is served with fries, cornbread and two sides ($8). Popular options include Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Chicken or a Pulled Pork Sandwich.
The portions are substantial, but hungry diners can "Shack Size" their meal ($3 extra) by adding 1/4 rack of ribs, brisket or chicken to any entrée.
Coger said their Family Meal Deals ($25), designed to feed four, are popular at dinnertime.
Sacco arrives at the restaurant at 3 a.m. every day to begin the slow smoking process. Coger joins him by 7 a.m. to get started for the day. The result is ribs that melt in your mouth.
"I tell people to just stick the rib in their mouth and it falls right off the bone," Coger said.
Coger admits he was nervous about opening a restaurant since he understood the job would involve long hours and could be stressful. But, so far he has found it gratifying.
Recently, a customer visiting from the South complimented his cooking, saying it reminded her of home.
"The only complaint we have had so far is from people saying they are too full to drive home," Coger said.
Rib Shack
- Address: 5693 Harrison Blvd., South Ogden
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.Monday-Saturday
- Phone: 801-479-4255